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Trump Sought to Name Dulles Airport, Penn Station After Himself in Exchange for Federal Funds
The former president reportedly offered to unfreeze funds for the Gateway project if the facilities were renamed after him, but the request was rejected.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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According to reports from CNN and NBC News, the Trump administration asked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer last month to have Dulles International Airport and New York's Penn Station named after former President Donald Trump. In exchange, the administration would release the federal funds needed to build the Gateway rail tunnel project between New York and New Jersey. Schumer rejected the offer, stating he did not have the power to deliver on the request.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the former president's apparent willingness to leverage federal funding for personal gain and his continued efforts to have his name associated with prominent landmarks, even after leaving office. The refusal of the request also underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Gateway project, which has been a point of contention between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders in New York and New Jersey.
The details
New York and New Jersey sued the Trump administration on Tuesday for freezing $16 billion in federal funding for the Gateway rail tunnel project, seeking a quick ruling because construction that has been underway could be forced to shut down. The administration put a hold on the funding in September, citing the government shutdown and concerns over 'unconstitutional practices' related to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
- The Trump administration made the request to Schumer last month.
- New York and New Jersey filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, as the funding for the Gateway project was set to run out on Friday.
The players
Donald Trump
The former president of the United States who reportedly sought to have Dulles Airport and Penn Station named after himself in exchange for federal funds.
Chuck Schumer
The Senate Minority Leader who rejected the Trump administration's request to have the facilities named after the former president.
Letitia James
The New York Attorney General who filed the lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing federal funding for the Gateway project.
Jennifer Davenport
The New Jersey Acting Attorney General who joined the lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing federal funding for the Gateway project.
Russ Vought
The White House budget director who stated that the administration believed the Gateway project spending was based on unconstitutional diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
